Named after the state where it was first manufactured and popularized, the Indiana reel was conceived with a dual purpose. It would function as both a line dryer (for the silk and linen lines used at the time) and as a casting reel. It served both functions well, and was also employed as a trolling reel. The first Indiana reel patent was granted to C.D. Rider on December 1st, 1908 - the most recent to A.L. Thomson on April 4th, 1967. The Indiana reel has been found in many shapes and sizes, but the basic design is that of a large diameter, single action reel with radial arms, which is sidemounted on a rod. It has been affectionately known as a line dryer reel, a Star reel, a Ferris reel and a true "Knucklebuster". Having origins that date back to the 12th century, the Indiana style reel was perhaps the easiest to produce "at home", spawning unique designs and construction from fishermen looking to build a better and cheaper mousetrap. As a result, some of the most interesting Indiana style reels are "one of a kind" or "folk art" reels, and are some of my favorites. I have had lots of help putting this collection together, and would like to thank folks like John Mack, Tom Harwood, Randy Nelson, Larry "Young'n" Moellman and a host of others for allowing me to add reels like the ones you see below.

Click on any photo for a larger view

S. L. Kuntz & Rare Box

D & T Spider & Rare Box

National Specialties Adjustable Reel & Rare Box(s)

O.K. Machine Works Reel & Boxes

Peters Line-Drying Reel & Rare Box

Marc Reel & Box

Shakespeare Hoosier & Box

Benson Reel & Rare Box

Kelly Patent (early) With Fitted Case

Boyer Winona & Box

Rider Reels

Benson Reel

Master Casting Reel - The Bicycle Sales Co., Canada

Blee Design Patent Reel

Boyer DeLuxe Winona & Box

Dietzel Reel (Reelfoot Lake Area, TN)

Hardworth Reel (early)

Kelly Patent (early)

The "Easy Reel Co." Reel

Frank Adams Electric Reel

N. Fries & Alumag Reels & Boxes

Giant Unknown Reel (Musky Size)

Goite Fly Reels - Very Scarce

Goite Fly Reels - back view

Various Goite Reels & Boxes

Various Heddon Winona Reels & Boxes

Jefferies Patent Reel

Wawasee - Creek Chub Reel

Kelly Patent - 6 Spoke w/ wire guides

Kelly Patent - 6 Spoke

Kelly Patent - Nickel Plated 6 Spoke

Easy Cast Reel

Kenward Reel

Kiest Reel & Box

S.L. Kuntz Patent Model

Marc Reel Variations

Southworth Reel

Miller Magnetic Reels & Boxes

Micro-Motor Reel

N.S. Adjustable Reels

O.K. Machine Works Reel

Pekin Reel

Peters Line-Drying Reel

Peters Line-Drying Reel - Variation

Rinebolt Reels

S. L. Kuntz Reel

Shakespeare Hoosier

Snyder Reel

"Thumb" Reel

Tiny Unknown & Musky Reel

Tiny Unmarked Reel

Unknown Maker #1

Unknown Maker #2

Unknown Maker #3

Unknown Maker #4

Unknown Maker #5

Unknown Maker #6

Unknown Maker #7

Unknown Maker #7 - Side View

Unknown Maker #8

Unknown Maker #9

Unknown Maker #10

Unknown Maker #11

Unknown Maker #12

Unknown Maker #13

Unknown Maker #14

Unknown Maker #15

Unknown Maker #16

Unknown Maker #17

Unknown Maker #18

Unknown Maker #19

Unknown Maker #20

Unknown Maker #21 (very small reel)

Unknown Maker #22

Unknown Maker #23

Unknown Maker #24 (small reel)

Unknown Maker #25

Unknown Maker #26

Unknown Maker #27

Unknown Maker #28

Unknown Maker #29

Unknown Maker #30

Unknown Maker #31

Unknown Maker #32 & #33

Unmarked Micro-Motor Reel

Unusual Hardworth Marked Reel With Benson Arms

Unusual Virginia Reel

Keen Kaster - Ravena Metal Works

Willoughby Reel (Plastic)

I'm always interested in adding reels to my collection. If you have a reel you'd like to discuss, trade or sell please feel free to e-mail me at Jim@sidemountreels.com